Daily Inspiration: Multicultural Coexistence

This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard and InterFaith Works of CNY.

Dr. Keith Alford

I consider it a blessing to live in a multicultural society, one where many cultures, ethnicities, and races are represented. Cross cultural coexistence can be positive and peaceful. It does require us to be open to exploring other worldviews. The greatness of a society is evidenced by the diversity of its people. Exercising the skill of empathy is essential to supporting the meaning of multicultural coexistence. It is helpful that we first be willing to examine our own attitudes and actions as they relate to others. This prescription is fitting for the process of building ethnic and cultural sensitivity. Being empathic entails "stepping into the shoes of another." The art of executing empathy is the capacity to enter the feelings and lived experiences of another without losing one's self in the process.

Just as we salute our differentness we should also explore our commonalities. Diversity and shared experiences undergird multiculturalism. Little attention is given to the fact that such characteristics as strong and extended family bonds, mutual aid, and reverence to elders are shared cross-culturally. Discovering these commonalities helps to improve areas of distrust that sometimes exist between groups of people. Likewise, engaging in dialogue for the purpose of cross-cultural interaction is a healthy way to understand realities, differences, and commonalities among and between groups of people. Seeking clarification as part of the dialogue process is a strength and should be accompanied with respect for the inherent dignity of all individuals. Active listening always helps when it is a part of any communicative exchange. Positive coexistence can lead to rich collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie. Actively seeking to befriend someone who is of a different cultural background than your own, opens the door for productive coexistence. Poet laureate Maya Angelou once said, "...in diversity there is beauty and there is strength."

Keith A. Alford, Ph.D. is Associate Professor in the School of Social Work: Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University. He is a member of the InterFaith Works Board of Directors.